Indiana Black Expo (IBE) has announced that Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., senior pastor of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, will be among the honorees celebrated during the annual Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon.
Johnson will receive the 2013 Rev. Charles R. Williams Excellence Award July 19 at the luncheon presented by the Hoosier Lottery and State Farm at the Indiana Convention Center.
Some might say it is fitting that Johnson would receive the special award, which is named after Williams, who greatly expanded IBE as president of the organization from 1981 until his death in 2004.
Williams described Johnson as a “true Godsend, a brother and friend” in his book, That Black Men Might Live, an autobiography that detailed his fight against prostate cancer.
“Your encouragement, spirit and love have been uplifting in my life for as long as I have known you,” Williams wrote in reference to Johnson. “Your positive nature has been a contagious, major force in my fight to survive this disease.”
Tanya Bell, IBE president and CEO, believes the heartfelt testimony of Williams echoes the sentiment of thousands of people throughout Indianapolis and beyond.
“In addition to the spiritual impact of his tremendous ministry, Pastor Johnson has been steadfast in his support of community enlightenment and youth enrichment opportunities,” she said.
Bell also lauded Johnson for being a friend to Indiana Black Expo and its cause.
“It would be impossible to articulate all that he and his ministry have done to enhance the mission and embrace the vision of IBE; from Summer Celebration praise and worship to the Circle City Classic College and Scholarships Fair,” she said. “He has been wherever we needed him, whenever we needed.”
The Rev. Charles R. Williams Excellence Award is given to an individual who has helped shape, contribute, or strengthen Indiana Black Expo’s vision of promoting African-American achievement in academics, athletics, business, education or the arts. The recipient must be a leader who has demonstrated courage, vision, and dedication to diversity in the community.
The award comes as Johnson marks his 25th pastoral anniversary. He accepted his call to ministry at the age of 17.
A native of Indianapolis, he graduated from Arlington High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, graduating with honors. He later attended Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
Johnson became pastor of Eastern Star Church in 1988, at the age of 25. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from a few hundred attendees to more than 10,000 members.
Eastern Star Church uses the theme, “One Church in Three Locations,” employing over 130 full and part-time employees and engages 40 active ministries.
Due to church growth and a desire to meet needs in the community more efficiently, the congregation operates three locations, which include its main campus on East 30th Street, its Fishers campus and a Northwest campus.
“We decided to do multiple services so that we could have enough room for the people who were coming, and be able to develop new leadership and offer more opportunities for service,” Johnson said in an earlier interview with the Indianapolis Recorder.
JEWEL Ministry, the church’s radio, television and online outreach – reaches more than a million people weekly. JEWEL Human Services, Eastern Star Church’s outreach arm, provides programs that serve those in need of assistance.
Under his leadership, Johnson has planted three churches, New Life Worship Center (Pastor John Ramsey, 2001), New Beginnings Fellowship Church (Dr. James Jackson Sr., 2004) and New Horizons Fellowship Church (Pastor Eric Wiggins Sr., 2006).
In August 2007, Johnson launched Kingdom Word Ministries and published his first book and study guide entitled, Song of Solomon: Love, Sex and Relationships. Since then, he has published three additional books: Making A Comeback: Reclaiming Our Lives in Christ; Life Illustrated: Daily Thoughts for Your Daily Walk; and his latest book and devotional journal entitled, Dialogue with My Daughters released in December of 2011.
Acknowledging his extraordinary commitment to expository preaching, as well as giving back to his community, Pastor Johnson has received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Fla. (October 2006), Simmons College in Louisville, Ky. (May 2007), Martin University in Indianapolis (May 2008) and Paul Quinn College in Dallas (May 2009).
Johnson has served as the assistant chaplain of the Indiana Pacers and has served on numerous boards in the community.
A devoted husband and dedicated family man, Johnson is married to Sharon Henry Johnson and is the father of four sons, Jeffrey Allen II, Jordan Adam, Jalon Alexander and Josiah Andrew.
